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Frankincense, sandalwood and patchouli all have strong, natural scents that many insects dislike, which is why they have been used for generations to help keep bugs away. Traders even packed dried patchouli leaves with silk to protect it from pests. Below you will find how each oil is used, an easy DIY bug spray and answers to the most common questions, from cockroaches to flies.

Can essential oils repel bugs?

Summer brings warm weather, longer evenings and more time outdoors. It also brings insects. Mosquitoes, flies and other pests appear more often at this time of year.

Many people reach for shop-bought insect sprays, but these often contain strong chemicals that some people prefer to avoid. That is why natural alternatives made with plant oils have become so popular.

Certain plant oils have strong scents that insects dislike. Because of this, they have been used for generations to help keep pests away from homes and living spaces. Here are three oils that often come up when people look for the best essential oils for bug repellent.

Frankincense, sandalwood and patchouli at a glance

Oil	Scent	Traditionally used against	Best way to use
Patchouli	Deep and earthy	Insects in fabrics, cupboards and storage	Spray, diffuser or incense
Frankincense	Warm and slightly woody	Household insects indoors	Diffuser or incense
Sandalwood	Smooth, woody and sweet	Insects in quiet rooms and storage	Incense or blends

Does patchouli repel bugs?

Patchouli essential oil has a deep, earthy fragrance that many people recognise straight away. It comes from the leaves of the patchouli plant, which grows in warm regions such as India, Malaysia and other parts of South East Asia.

For centuries, patchouli has been used in incense and perfumes. One reason it became popular was its ability to protect fabrics and storage areas from pests. Traders once packed dried patchouli leaves with silk and cashmere, because the scent helped keep insects away on long journeys.

Today, patchouli is still one of the first oils people mention for repelling bugs. Its strong aroma is believed to discourage insects from staying in treated areas, and many people use it to keep cockroaches out of cupboards and storage spaces. Patchouli oil is also known for its antibacterial and cleansing properties, which is another reason it appears in so many natural home remedies.

Does frankincense repel bugs?

Frankincense essential oil has been valued for thousands of years. It comes from the resin of trees that grow in parts of the Middle East and Africa. The resin is dried and distilled to make the oil, which has a warm, slightly woody scent.

In the past, frankincense was burned as incense in temples and ceremonies. Its smoke was believed to purify spaces and create a calm atmosphere.

Because of its strong aroma, some people believe that certain insects avoid areas where frankincense is present. This has led many to ask whether frankincense keeps away flies, mosquitoes or cockroaches. Frankincense is mainly known for relaxation and skincare, but you can also diffuse it in living areas as a natural way to discourage insects indoors. It works well in bug repellent blends, especially with stronger oils such as patchouli.

Does sandalwood repel bugs?

Sandalwood has a long cultural history too. The oil is made from the heartwood of sandalwood trees, which grow mainly in India and other parts of Asia.

Its fragrance is smooth, woody and slightly sweet. Because of this calming scent, sandalwood has been used in incense, meditation and skincare for generations.

The aroma of sandalwood is pleasant to most people but less appealing to certain pests. That is why some people use sandalwood oil or incense to discourage cockroaches, flies and other insects in storage spaces and quiet rooms. Sandalwood is also valued for its soothing effect on the skin, which makes it a gentle choice in natural oil blends.

How to use essential oils to keep bugs away at home

There are a few simple ways to use these oils as natural insect deterrents.

• Spray: mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle, and spray around doorways, windows or outdoor seating areas.
• Diffuser or oil burner: diffusing spreads the scent around the room, which some people find discourages insects from staying.
• Cupboards and storage: patchouli is the traditional choice for protecting fabrics and keeping cockroaches out of cupboards.
• Blends: combine patchouli, frankincense and sandalwood for a stronger, longer-lasting fragrance.

Every home is different, so try a few combinations and see which works best in your space.

Simple DIY bug spray recipe

This easy spray uses common household ingredients and any of the three oils above.

Safety tips

• Keep oils and sprays out of reach of children and pets.
• Cats are very sensitive to essential oils, so do not spray or diffuse near them, and always leave pets a way out of the room.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP or midwife before using essential oils.
• Essential oils will not clear a serious infestation, such as cockroaches or bed bugs. Call a pest control professional for that.

FAQs

Does patchouli essential oil repel bugs?

Patchouli oil has a strong, earthy scent that many insects appear to dislike. That is why it is often listed among the best essential oils for repelling bugs. People use it in sprays or diffusers to discourage insects in certain areas.

Does patchouli repel cockroaches?

Many people use patchouli oil to help keep cockroaches out of cupboards and storage spaces. The strong aroma may discourage them from staying, although results can vary from home to home.

Does patchouli incense repel cockroaches?

Burning patchouli incense spreads a strong fragrance through a room. Some people say it helps keep cockroaches away, although it is mostly used for scent and atmosphere.

Does frankincense repel bugs?

Frankincense has a strong resin scent, and some people believe certain insects avoid areas where it is present. It is mainly used for relaxation, but many people diffuse it or burn it as incense to discourage insects indoors.

Does frankincense incense repel cockroaches?

Some people burn frankincense incense in their living spaces, believing the strong, resin-based scent may discourage cockroaches and other insects from staying in the area.

Does sandalwood repel bugs and flies?

Sandalwood smells pleasant to most people but less appealing to certain pests. Some people burn sandalwood incense or use the oil to discourage flies and other insects in quiet rooms.

Does sandalwood incense repel cockroaches?

Sandalwood incense has a woody scent that spreads slowly through a room. Some people believe it helps keep cockroaches away in enclosed spaces, although it is mainly used for fragrance and relaxation.

The bottom line

Patchouli, frankincense and sandalwood are three natural oils with strong scents that many insects dislike. They are a gentle, chemical-free way to help keep bugs at bay, especially in a simple homemade spray. For more natural ideas, read our essential oils for gardening and our DIY natural mosquito repellent balm, and find all three oils in our essential oils collection.